From muddy fun to a bear hunt; why SouthPAWt is the place to be this February's ½ term

SOUTHPORT businesses and attractions again pulled out the stops to ensure people have a have  FAB-ruary ½ Term to remember this year.

With spectacular events such as the:- 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' sculpture trail and Mudfest at:- WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, there are a raft of diverse and fun activities and events for all the family to get involved in over the next few weeks.

Here Visit Southport give you a rundown of just some of the events and options to put in your diary this ½ Term…

• 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' (Running until 27 April 2025)  Southport are transforming the classic:- 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' children's picture book into a wonderful sculpture trail for visitors to explore the Town centre.  The Town will be welcoming 10 colourful hand painted bear sculptures, which feature unique designs from talented artists and illustrators.  Visitors of all ages can use their trail map to discover the locations of each bear and answer bear-themed questions using the clues on each sculpture. Participants can submit their answers online via Southport BID for a chance to win some great prizes. And for the crafty kids, take a break from the trail and design a brilliant bear for the BID's colouring competition, or head down to the Bear Hunt themed Make IT! Craft Workshop, at The Atkinson.  Get the younger children involved in the festivities at Southport Library will be celebrating the arrival of the:- 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' sculpture trail across Southport with a teddy bear themed Story and Rhyme Time, on:- 19 February 2025, between:- 11:30am and 12:15pm.   This is a free activity.
  

• Dinosaur Adventure Live (21 February 2021)  - The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport PR81DB. Are you ready for a ROAR-some adventure? Well Southport will have the T-Rex Factor as The Atkinson is transformed into a dinosaur haven, inviting families to help rangers save the dino island from a Jurassic storm threatening to erase existence of the island forever. Think you're brave enough to face the Jurassic Storm?  Shows will run at:- 14:00pm and 17:00pm for 60 minutes followed by a 15-minute post show Meet and Greet with the brand-new dinosaurs and dino babies. Cost: Standard £16.00, Danger Zone (up close to the dinosaurs) £18.00.
  

• The Royal Princess Ball (16 February 2025)  Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa, Formby, Merseyside, L37 0AB... Step into a world of enchantment at the Royal Princess Ball at the prestigious Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa and spend a delightful afternoon in the company of beloved Disney princes and princesses. This unforgettable experience will include:- an afternoon tea fit for royalty, as well as exclusive photo opportunities alongside everyone's favourite princesses.  Dress up in your most glamorous royal attire and dance the afternoon away at the enchanting Princess Ball, where little ones can twirl, spin, and laugh with their royal friends.  This magical afternoon is perfect for families and is filled with joy, laughter, and a sprinkle of fairy tale magic.  Cost:- Adult tickets £30, children (3 years  to 12 years) £20, infants (0 years to 2 years) go free
  

• Mudfest 2025; WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre (15 February to 23 February 2025) at Martin Mere Fish Lane, Ormskirk, L40 0TA . Connect with nature and immerse yourself in the magical powers of mud this ½ Term with hands on activities for all ages and abilities. Get stuck in with a mud-tastic obstacle course, create some wild crafts, cook up delicious muddy meals, and attend Mud Shows to learn all of the fascinating and mind-boggling facts about mud. Relaxed sessions have also been designed for those with neuro-divergence considerations or different needs which are bookable in advance for the:- 17 February to 18 February 2025. Cost:- Adults £18.15, juniors (4-17yrs) £11.80, under 4s go free. For family/ concession tickets, visit WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre.
  

• British Lawnmower Museum is a cut above the rest! (1 February to 28 February 2025)  106 to 114 Shakespeare Street, Southport PR85AJ. Visit the British Lawnmower Museum this ½ Term for the biggest, the smallest, and the most expensive lawnmowers.  'Lawnmowers of the Rich & Famous' are also on display, including:- King Charles, Princess Diana and Queen's Royal rock legend, Brian May, plus many mower! For a family personal-guided tour and a unique opportunity to sit in a Trophy Winning Racing Lawnmower, prebook a slot by contacting - BR@LawnmowerWorld.Com. Cost: Family of four £36.
  

• Starkidz Raves; Southport Market (21 February 2025) - Southport Market, Southport, PR81LA. Make magical memories at the Starkidz Superheroes vs. Princesses Rave at Southport Market between:- 11am to 12:30pm. ‍Put on your capes and crowns and join the ultimate family friendly rave where heroes and royals unite on the dance floor!  Or are you a fellow Ozian visiting Emerald City? If so, grab your ruby slippers and join the Oz-themed Starkidz Green vs. Pink Rave between:- 1:30pm or 4pm. Grab your glowsticks for these high energy discos and expect epic dance-offs, a magical snow machine, and special appearances from lively characters. Cost:- Children £10, adults £2, under 1s go free
  
  Sing the Musicals (18 February 2025) - The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport PR81DB. Direct from London's West End to Southport's The Atkinson, the live band sing-along spectacular is a must see this year. With classics from Mamma Mia, The Greatest Showman, Dirty Dancing, Les Misérables, and many more, performed by a sensational live band and character singers, this first national tour of the greatest musicals of all time is one you cannot miss this year. Cost:- £25.

Details on accommodation, days out and events in Southport can be found online at:- VisitSouthport.Com.

Nominations Open for the 1st Citizens 4 Good Event of 2025

SEFTON residents are invited to nominate their local heroes for the next Citizens 4 Good event, taking place on:- Wednesday, 6 March 2025, at:- Bootle Town Hall. This inspiring initiative, a collaboration between:- Sefton 4 Good and the Mayor of Sefton’s Office, aims to recognise and celebrate individuals who make a meaningful difference in their communities.

This year we want to recognise the contributions of those people who demonstrate kindness, selflessness, and dedication to helping others. Whether it’s a young person making waves with their charitable work or a local who consistently goes the extra mile, now is the time to shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes.

Lauren Jones, lead organiser of the event, shared:- “Citizens 4 Good give us a unique opportunity to celebrate the incredible people who make our borough such a special place. We want to hear about people from a broad base of backgrounds who are making a difference—whether it's someone mentoring young people, helping neighbours, or creating a positive impact beyond Sefton. Their stories deserve recognition."

The Citizens 4 Good event on:- 6 March 2025 is the 1st of 3 celebrations planned for 2025. At the March event, nominees will be presented with a certificate of thanks by the Mayor of Sefton, Councillor June Burns, in recognition of their contributions.

The call is now out as nominations for open and organisers are encouraging residents to nominate those who have:-

• Made a significant difference in their community.
  

• Helped others through acts of kindness or support.
  

• Raised funds or awareness for a vital cause.
  

• Gone above and beyond in their volunteering.

Past recipients include:- individuals who’ve contributed to humanitarian aid efforts, inspired positive change in their communities, and a 13 year old who has supported vital initiatives like Alder Hay’s Sensory Environment Project.

Lauren Jones added:- "It’s an honour to celebrate people whose actions often go unnoticed. Their contributions remind us of the importance of compassion and community spirit.."

Nominations can be submitted via the Sefton 4 Good website by filling out a simple form.

Sponsorship Opportunities... Local businesses are also invited to support this heart warming event through sponsorship. Several packages are available for organisations looking to show their commitment to supporting the community of Sefton. For more information, email:- Sefton4Good@SeftonCVS.Org.UK.

Don’t miss the chance to celebrate the remarkable individuals who make Sefton stronger, kinder, and more united. Nominate someone for the Citizens 4 Good Awards!